Vote Joseph For A Better Guild!
Manifesto Question Responses
Why are you running to be an Officer?
The Guild has been central to my time at university. The societies, support and spaces it provides have been a positive influence on my student experience. I want to help ensure that future students benefit from the Guild even more than I have. However, the Guild and University can be improved. Students face a rising cost of living, ethical concerns over university partnerships are not taken seriously enough, and LGBT students still face gaps in support. I'm running because these are issues that the Guild can act on, and because I have the experience and commitment to deliver change.
What qualities would you bring to the role?
Experience: As a UoL student for almost four years, I have a strong understanding of the Guild and University. I've been heavily involved in societies and I'm currently the President of the Film Society, where I have overseen a large boost in turnout and member engagement.
Communication: I'm a strong communicator who will effectively communicate with University Management on behalf of the student body.
Strategic Focus: I have a clear vision for what I want to achieve and I'm committed to focusing on a handful of priorities that can make a real difference.
What would be your top 4 priorities, if you were elected?
Cost of Living: The most stressful part of university for me has been the constant worry about money. Balancing part-time work with my studies has often been difficult. As Guild President, I would:
-Work with local authorities to extend the £2 bus fare cap for students.
-Implement cheaper hot food options at the Guild, including a £1 soup option.
-Set up a student pantry for dry foods, hygiene products and other essentials available at a low cost.
Campus Life: Whilst I love spending time on campus, there a few changes that I wish would have been implemented sooner. As Guild President, I would:
-Work with the university to install more power sockets in seminar rooms to ensure laptops don't run out of battery during back to back lectures.
-Extend the Sydney Jones Library's opening hours during non-exam periods.
-Increase the yearly starting funds for societies, and provide extra funds for new societies.
-Organise and fund litter-picking events on campus and the surrounding areas to improve the campus environment and give back to the local community.
LGBT Community: As a member of the LGBT community myself, I know I would have benefited from stronger LGBT-focused support in my first year. As Guild President, I would:
-Host an LGBT Fair at the Guild for LGBT societies and local LGBT organisations, to help new LGBT students connect with the local community.
-Follow the lead of other universities and provide an option for LGBT students to be placed in accommodation with at least one other LGBT student.
-Stronger Guild participation in Pride and other LGBT events, and support for LGBT societies in these events.
Ethical Partnerships and Divestment: The University has made some progress in limiting its unethical ties, but there is much more to be done. As Guild President, I would:
-Aim to prevent hosting unethical companies at university-ran careers fairs.
-Find ethical alternatives to the unethical companies that the university purchases equipment from.
-Limit research partnerships with weapons companies.